The 18th annual Yellow Jacket/Gold Dust Golf Tournament and Benefit Auction held at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club raised over $15,000 for BHSU athletic students.

The 18th annual Yellow Jacket/Gold Dust Golf Tournament and Benefit Auction raised over $15,000 for student-athlete scholarships at Black Hills State University recently.

“The Gold Dust has always been a huge supporter of the Yellow Jackets,” said John Kietzmann, Director of Development at BHSU. “The proceeds from both the golf tournament and the auction go toward scholarships vital to the success of BHSU’s student-athletes.”

The Yellow Jacket/Gold Dust Benefit Auction is coordinated by the Yellow Jacket Foundation in an effort to raise scholarship funds for BHSU student-athletes. The auction was held June 27 in the Jacket Legacy Room on the BHSU campus. Those who attended were treated to a prime rib dinner and entertainment provided by Butch Samuelson. All of the items in the auction were donated from businesses and organizations from across the country.

“The Yellow Jacket/Gold Dust Benefit Auction is a unique way for people to support BHSU student-athletes,” said Kietzmann. “When you purchase an item from the auction, you get something you want and all of the proceeds go towards scholarships for our outstanding student-athletes. It’s win-win.”

The Yellow Jacket/Gold Dust Golf Tournament was held June 28 at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club. Multiple team prizes and individual hole prizes were awarded at the golf tournament. The men’s division champions were Scott Graslie, Nik Graslie, Dave Schempf and John Schempf. Winners of the ladies division were Barb Welch, Lisa Byrne, Patty Schuh and Sandy Tschetter. The winners of the senior division were Bill Jones, Bill Jordan, Doug Stanford and Gene Schlekeway. The mixed division was won by Joe, Janet, Joey and Nate Vaccari.

“The golf tournament has always been a great event for folks to come out and support the Yellow Jackets,” Kietzmann. “BHSU is very appreciative of the support from all of the participants.”

For more information about playing in the 2009 golf tournament contact Kietzmann at (605) 642-6385 or via e-mail at JohnKietzmann@BHSU.Edu.